76ers’ Joel Embiid breaks silence on possible return from injury

Joel Embiid recently updated reporters on his recovery progress.

The Philadelphia 76ers center and reigning league MVP has been sidelined since January 30 due to left meniscus surgery. Initially expected to be re-evaluated in four weeks, the timeline for Embiid’s potential return has remained uncertain.

Addressing the speculation surrounding his comeback, Embiid assured reporters on Thursday that he is committed to doing everything possible to rejoin his teammates on the court.

He confidently stated, “That’s the plan,” emphasizing his intention to return this season, as reported by Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

However, he acknowledged that a successful return is contingent on his health aligning with expectations.

Pressed on the timeline for his recovery, Embiid clarified that there is still no set schedule for his return, emphasizing that the timing hinges on how his body responds to treatment.

“It all depends on how I feel,” explained Embiid. “If it feels great, then that’s good. If it doesn’t feel right, then gotta keep going.”

Injuries have consistently disrupted Embiid’s court time with the 76ers.

Last season, he missed 16 games, and during the 2021-22 season, the All-Star big man sat out for 14 games.

Before undergoing surgery this year, Embiid had already missed 12 games due to various ailments. Despite these setbacks, when healthy, he has established himself as arguably the NBA’s top scorer. In 34 games this season, the 76ers’ center has averaged an impressive 35.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, boasting a shooting accuracy of 53.3 percent.

Embiid’s partnership with first-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey holds significant importance for the Sixers. While the team aspires to win a championship, the approaching 30-year-old acknowledges the necessity of being on the court for that dream to materialize.

Hence, he remains determined to return before the playoffs, expressing, “I love playing basketball.

I want to be on the floor as much as possible… If I feel good, I’m playing.”